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We are the nation's leading resource and advocacy organization for crime victims and those who serve them. Please join us as we forge a national commitment to help victims of crime rebuild their lives.

News Releases

Statement by Mai Fernandez, Executive Director of the National Center for Victims of Crime, one year after the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2013

Contact: Kath Cummins
202.467.8743
kcummins@ncvc.org

A year ago, America and the world reacted with horror and outrage at the murder of 20 children and six teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School. In just a few minutes, families were torn apart, forever changed by grief and trauma.

At this painful time, the National Center for Victims of Crime stands with the victims of Sandy Hook, and with those across the nation who have been the victims of past mass casualty crimes, including the Boston Marathon bombings and the Aurora theatre shooting.

Crime victims come from all walks of life, but they share a common struggle to live day-by-day, to work, and to take care of their families.

For those Sandy Hook families grieving the loss of loved ones, and those injured both physically and by trauma, the ripple effects of this violence will be felt far beyond this one-year mark.

Crime victims often need long-term support, and many will struggle to access the professional medical and trauma services they – or their children – desperately need. Many will be unable to work and support their families, and will be left financially devastated at a time when they need to finance long-term counseling and care.

It is up to all of us – communities, governments, employers and individuals – to recognize these critical needs, and do what we can to support crime victims to rebuild their lives.

The National Center for Victims of Crime, established in 1985, is the nation’s leading resource and advocacy organization for crime victims and those who serve them. For more than 25 years, the National Center has led this nation’s struggle to provide crime victims with the rights, protections, and services they need to rebuild their lives.